Showing posts with label Iloilo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iloilo. Show all posts

Iloilo City Tour

9:39 PM
After the amazing Gigantes Islands adventure, we went back to the Iloilo and had one day to explore the city. Joed and Den-den, my high school classmates who works now in Iloilo, were so kind to take a leave at work and guided us around the city. It was 10 years since i've been to Iloilo and now it's more developed and beautiful.

We went to famous tourist spots like churches and old buildings and tasted local food like the famous La Paz Batchoy. We went around by commuting and a lot of walking but it's all worth it! Here's how our day tour in Iloilo went:


Starting our morning tour at the Esplanade, a river side walkable area where people exercise and just relax.


The Iloilo riverbank was once crowded with informal settlers. With the efforts of the local government, they rehabilitated the river and developed the esplanade.


Datu Paiburong statue at the Esplanade. According to stories, he was one of the 10 datus from Borneo who fled the tyranny of Sultan Makatunaw and found refuge in the island of Panay in ancient Philippines.

It is said that in the year 1212 AD, the datus along with their families landed at barangay Siwaragan in San Joaquin, Iloilo. There, they met the Atis or Panay aborigines and bartered golden necklaces and salakot (headgear) filled with gold in exchange for land.




We had breakfast at the oldest coffee shop in Iloilo, Madge Cafe, known for its homebrewed coffee.




At the Jaro Church. The image is of La Virgen de Candelaria which is said to be a growing image, according to the seamstresses who dress up the image.




The Jaro Belfry across the street.


Inside the Jaro Cathedral. This church is said to be a masculine church. All saints that are displayed on the pillars are men only.


The all-male cast adorned at the pillars of the Jaro Cathedral




Up close the Jaro Belfry






Casa Mariquit




The Lizares Mansion




Left to right: Me, Joed, Den-den, Ms. Rory (tour guide), Jotie




Time for the famous La Paz Batchoy! We




Up Next: Museo Iloilo






The Provincial capitol central dome








Masonic floor tiles


Fountain at the courtyard at the Provincial Capitol

The old fountain in front of the old provincial capitol.



View of the river from the roofdeck of the City Hall




The old Provincial capitol now serves as a convention center and function hall for art exhibits or other events.







In just one day we have visited the must-see places in Iloilo, special thanks to our local guides and best friends, Joed and Deet! I've been in Iloilo before but this tour made me realize how beautiful and how much of the city could still be explored. It's full of history, colorful culture, and wonderful people, and I don't even wonder why my friends chose this city as their new home. Iloilo is a liveable, innovative, and advanced city yet it maintained its classic charm. Can't wait to go back in the City of Love!
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Island Hopping at Gigantes Island

2:00 PM
After the spending three days in Bacolod, we're off to another province in the west of Visayas, Iloilo! Upon arrival, my adventure buddy, Joed, who is staying in Iloilo now, welcomed us and went with us in our next destination. Before we explore the City of Love, we're heading north to the famous Islands of Gigantes in the municipality of Carles.

From Iloilo City, we rode the bus going to Estancia. After 4 hours, we arrived at the port of Estancia and took the 1PM boat going to Gigantes Norte Island. The silhouette of the islands look like a giant man and a woman lying down, that's where it got its name.



The Iloilo River with the city hall at the back.



On board to Estancia!


The boat going to Gigantes Islands. We have to bring lots of water coz there are few stores there.


My view from the boat


After almost 3 hours, we arrived at the Southern Island of Gigantes. Almost there!


Arrived at Gigantes Norte Island. Because the tide was low, our boat docked far from the shore. A smaller shabby boat ferried us to the shore. A man also named Joed welcomed us and brought us to our accommodation.


Via motorcycles, we arrived in this sleepy resort named Arjay Beach. We left our bags and went straight to our adventures. Our first stop is at a lighthouse.


We arrived at the area and there's an old Spanish-style building. At the back of this building is where the lighthouse is located.



The sea and our smiles.


Outside the complex, we saw these handmade sea shell crafts made by local kids which they sell to tourists as souvenirs. Then, we're off to our next adventure, Spelunking!


It was already late in the afternoon. We did spelunking at the Bakwitan Cave, which served as a fortress for the locals when a strong typhoon strikes. That's why they call it Bakwitan, from the word "evacuate". We didn't have photos inside coz it's dark inside! It's hard to take photos with our dirty hands.

It was already evening when we went back to the resort. We had our dinner then went to sleep. Since the island had limited electricity supply, they have to turn off the lights by 10PM. The next morning..

Joed with his morning coffee.



Morning sea breeze and hot coffee mist. Perfect combination!


Good morning Gigantes! Time for island hopping!



We arrived at our first island..


Cool rock formations





Summer perfect view!


Chilling on top of these cool rock formations


Groufie at the rock formations!


Off to our next stop, the famous picturesque island.


We finally arrived at Cabugao Island aka "Instagram Island"


This is the hill where you can get the famous view. You have to go inside the tiny cave and climb the wooden ladders to reach the top.



Supportive photographer friend here.



Nature's perfection!



The other side of the famous view.


On the other side of Instagram Island




Epic pose for an epic shot!



These rocks seem to pop out from the middle of the ocean.

Leaving my footprints at the Bantique Island Sand Bar


Jotie, Joed and I at Bantique Island Sand Bar


Chillin at the sandbar


Sumptuous lunch at the sand bar.


Underwater shot!


Time to go back..


Our adventure in Gigantes has come to an end. We're going back to Iloilo to tour around the city.


Locals help to unload the motorcycle from the boat.

Window snapshots as we go back to the city.
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